Obituary of James "Jim" Clarke

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of James Arthur (Jim) Clarke at Riverview Gardens in Chatham, Ontario on January 2, 2025 at the age of 76.

Jim was born in Fort William, Ontario (Thunder Bay) and grew up in Westfort where he attended St. Martin, St. Patrick and Westgate schools. He was a member of St. Agnes Church and enjoyed playing on baseball, hockey and football teams in his youth. He continued pursuing physical fitness throughout his life, playing squash, jogging, doing Tai Chi, working out at the gym and, most recently, taking brisk daily walks with Pearl.

A graduate of Lakehead University, he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Education degrees. He was a dedicated educator for over 35 years, beginning as a classroom teacher in 1970 with the Lakehead District Roman Catholic Separate School Board in Thunder Bay and retiring in 2005 as a Superintendent of Education with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board in Southwestern Ontario. His career included working with the Ministry of Education to provide support to Indigenous schools throughout Northwestern Ontario, as well as curriculum development and implementation at the local and provincial levels.

A member of St. Ursula’s Catholic Church since moving to Chatham in 1990, he also volunteered at the Interfaith Caring Kitchen and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. A lifelong learner, he was an avid reader with a special interest in spiritual topics.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Pearl (nee Curtis), his daughters Susan Clarke and Megan Hanzal (Jamison), his son Jamie Clarke (Wendy) and grandchildren Cameron, Brennan and Avery Gonsalves, Judah and Layla Clarke and Bastian and Emrich Hanzal. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Tom (Orrie) and Jim Curtis in Thunder Bay and his son-in-law Gavin Gonsalves. He was predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Carrie Clarke (nee Tafe).

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Jim will be greatly missed, leaving a lasting legacy of love, faith and integrity.  

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William Street South, Chatham, Ontario. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ursula’s Church on Thursday, January 9 at 11:00 am, with lunch to follow. Online condolences welcomed at www.peseski.com

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If desired, donations to the Interfaith Caring Kitchen or the Alzheimer’s Society of Chatham-Kent would be appreciated.